CA1 Bios

David Duarte-Corado

Hometown: Aurora, CO

Education history: MD - University of Colorado Post-baccalaureate - University of Colorado Denver BS in Biomedical Science - University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Hobbies: Watching and playing soccer, hiking, spending time with family

Fun facts: I have a cute cattle dog mix named Wrigley.

Before I came into medicine: I worked as a tech in a pre-transplant ID testing lab, as a campus aide at my former middle school, and as an event planner at UCCS.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: The opportunity to help comfort patients during a stressful time in their lives and be part of a team that can make an immediate impact. Anesthesiology is also the ideal combination of physiology, pharmacology, and hands-on procedures.

Sunny Khatter

Hometown: Aurora, CO

Education history: BS in Molecular Biology at the University of Denver, MBA with healthcare management concentration at the University of Denver, MD at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Hobbies: I enjoy watching all Denver sports, trying new restaurants, being outdoors, and dog-sitting for friends.

Fun facts: I once scored 7 three pointers in a high school basketball game, and my real name is actually Neil but everyone calls me Sunny (this makes charting a nightmare).

Before I came into medicine: I had a career in finance working as a financial analyst in mergers and acquisitions at Walgreens HQ in Chicago.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: I decided to pursue a career in anesthesiology because of how much I enjoy high acuity medicine that blends procedural work with pathophysiology. In addition, I love how multidisciplinary anesthesiology is -- allowing our field to cross paths with many others in the hospital to collaborate on best practices for patient care and safety.

Colby Kihara

Hometown: El Sobrante, CA

Education history: University of California, Berkeley

Hobbies: SCUBA diving, free-diving, underwater photography, tennis, rock climbing, skiing, and mountain biking.

Fun facts: All of my time not studying or in the hospital is spent underwater. My wife and I travel the world to photograph everything we can underwater. We've photographed humpback whales in Tonga, sperm whales in Dominica, tiger sharks, great hammers, and Atlantic spotted dolphins in Bimini, ragged tooth sharks in South Africa, manta rays in Hawaii and so much more. Check out our website (twofortheblue.com)! Also, the year before I started medical school, I broke my leg (open tibia - I have a picture!) while out in Red Rocks, Las Vegas and had to sit on the side of a mountain for 3 hours while waiting for helicopter extraction. Fun fact, this last year I went back and had dinner with one of the firefighters that assisted in my rescue.

Before I came into medicine: I tried my hand at playing professional tennis, worked for GoPro, C.J. Wilson Racing, a Formula Drift team, and as a paramedic.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: I have always wanted to pursue critical care medicine. To me, doing critical care through anesthesia combines very high-level critical thinking with a very unique skill set to make some of the most well-rounded physicians in the hospital.

Michael Knapp

Hometown: Harrisburg, VA

Education history: University of Virginia, B.A. in Human Biology; Thomas Jefferson University, M.D.

Hobbies: I spend as much time outdoors as I can! My go-to activities are hiking, biking, and camping. On rainy days or with good company, I also enjoy board games and video games. Otherwise, I love to learn about new technologies and experiment / build cool things.

Fun facts: My instrument of choice is the saxophone and I used to play in a funk band. My family also runs a beekeeping business so I often help harvest honey, make mead, and relocate wild colonies from all kinds of strange locations. I even had an indoor observation hive in my bedroom during medical school!

Before I came into medicine: I worked as an implementation trainer to help start medical scribe programs at various emergency departments around the country.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: I felt right at home behind the drapes and got along well with all the personalities I met. The field is intellectually stimulating, offering lots of procedural work and critical decision making. In addition, anesthesiology is uniquely positioned at the intersection of surgery and medicine with an abundance of telemetry. Given my passion for digital health, I'm excited to explore opportunities using these crucial data streams.

Andrew Mariotti

Hometown: Columbus, OH

Education history: Bachelor of Biology, The Ohio State University 2015 Masters of Healthcare Administration, The Ohio State University 2019 Doctor of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine 2024

Hobbies: I love music, books, hiking, snowboarding, trying new restaurants and breweries, going to concerts and sporting events, and following NFL and college football. In my spare time I play guitar and have been playing for over 14 years and recently began learning the harmonica as well. I have always enjoyed being outdoors and have been snowboarding since I was a child. I always enjoy getting out to the mountains for a hike and am happy to attend any sort of live concert or sporting event - regardless of the venue or who is playing or performing.

Fun facts: During my fourth year of medical school, I traveled to Iceland, Portugal, Croatia, and the United Kingdom. I formed a band in medical school with my other classmates and we once performed for our school. I am a part owner of the Green Bay Packers. I went to high school with the members of the band CAAMP.

Before I came into medicine: After earning my undergraduate degree, I went on to work as an EMT as I weighed the decision to go to medical school or not. Patient care and clinical work had always been a passion of mine, but I decided to go onto graduate school where I earned a master's in healthcare administration and completed an administrative fellowship at UCHealth. The time I spent as an EMT, a graduate student, and a fellow taught me the value of merging administrative leadership with clinical knowledge and that, more specifically, physician leadership is vital to the effective functioning of any clinic, hospital, or health system. These experiences allowed my passions for clinical medicine and healthcare leadership to flourish and understand that medicine was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: When I began medical school, I was certain I would become an emergency medicine physician. I enjoyed the fast-paced nature, the ability to work with critically ill patients, and the opportunity to perform many procedures. Fortunately, one of my mentors - who is an anesthesiologist - invited me to work on a quality improvement project with him in the operating room as a first-year medical student. Through this experience, I began to explore the world of anesthesiology and found that it had all the aspects I enjoyed about emergency medicine and so much more. I discovered how anesthesiologists are masters not only of the airway but of physiology and pharmacology as well Finally, as an anesthesiologist, I found that the ability to work with people and patients was one of the most satisfying and unique aspects of the career.

Faria Miah

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

Education history: I completed my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and medical school at University of Nevada, Reno.

Hobbies: I enjoy exploring the city, going to museums and shows, and finding new restaurants and breweries. When not finding new places to eat, I like to cook all types of cuisines for family and friends and have everyone over for game nights. During the summers, sitting by the river or lake to read a book with my dog, Luna, and paddle boarding are some of my favorite activities. Although I enjoy reading, music, planting and indoor activities, I would love to try new outdoor and winter activities when I move to Colorado!

Fun facts: I was born in Queens, New York and lived there until I was 11. I used to do karate while I lived there and was one belt away from a black belt. I've always wanted to learn to play the piano but have yet to do so. One of my goals is to travel to as many countries as I can because I love learning about different cultures.

Before I came into medicine: I've been planning to be in medicine since I was a child, but during my gap years I worked as a clinical coordinator for a multidisciplinary clinic specializing in treating children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: I always thought I would become a pediatrician, but after completing my rotation in the ICU during my third year of medical school, I knew I wanted to be an intensivist. From there, I began to research paths to critical care and found anesthesiology. As I spent many weeks working with mentors, I realized that even though critical care brought me to anesthesiology, I really enjoyed using both my hands and brain while working with my patients one-on-one to build trust and get them through their surgeries safely.

David Miller

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Education history: United States Air Force Academy - Biology University of Virginia School of Medicine – MD

Hobbies: Growing up, my parents had one kid help with dinner each night and ever since I've enjoyed cooking and sharing recipes with friends almost as much as eating the results. To balance out my love of baked goods, I try to stay active and enjoy swimming, skiing, hiking, camping and pretty much every other excuse to be outside...would love recommendations on favorite sunrise spots! I like keeping a little nature indoors too and have about 20 plants and propagations around the house at any given time.

Fun facts: I've summitted 17/58 14ers in CO and would like to bag them all. I had a Betta fish named Larry in elementary school...peaking that early has been hard, but I soldier on. I enjoyed jumping out of planes more than piloting them, so my career change may have been for the better. If I had a nickel for every time I've swum across the Colorado River in spring, I'd have like 5 or 6 nickels, which wouldn't help with rent in Denver but is still more than my mom would like.

Before I came into medicine: I was a direct from undergrad applicant who spent my last couple years at the Air Force Academy preparing for further pilot training until I found out I'd be heading to medical school. Before undergrad, I worked from middle school onward in restaurants, on a farm, and as a lifeguard.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: Having spent so much time working through engineering courses and the natural sciences in undergrad, I knew I had to find a specialty where Bernoulli's principle really mattered. Not long into clinicals, I found my home in the specialty's combination of patient interaction, physiology, pharmacology and pleasant personalities. Since then, I've only enjoyed learning more about how we can help virtually any patient at critical stages along the arc of their medical journeys and have discovered an interest in some of the more serious pathology and accompanying patients our specialty sees in Critical Care environments.

Matt Morelli

Hometown: Arvada, CO

Education history: I attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado for my undergraduate degree in Biological Science. Go RAMS! I attended Rocky Vista University for my Masters Degree in Biomedical Science and for Medical school.

Hobbies: I am obsessed with fly fishing! I love to fish for pretty much anything that swims. I also really enjoy fly tying and making my own flies. I grew up playing competitive hockey and still enjoy playing ice hockey.

Fun facts: I have a twin sister Meghan, who I am 45 seconds older than and never let her forget it! I have caught 5 different Master Angler fish through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Master Angler program.

Before I came into medicine: Prior to medical school I worked as an EMT for almost 2 years. This experience not only solidified that I loved working in health care but also confirmed that I wanted to continue my education and pursue medical school. I learned that I loved the opportunity to care for acutely ill patients and enjoyed the procedures I was able to perform. Ultimately my time as an EMT helped steer me towards choosing anesthesia in medical school.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: With my experience working on the ambulance, I learned how much I enjoyed the opportunity to help care for high acuity patients, make decisions quickly, and ability to perform numerous procedures with my hands. Coming into medical school I knew I wanted to do a specialty that required critical thinking and the ability to work with my hands. As cliché as it sounds, when I got to my elective rotation in anesthesia as a third-year medical student, I knew immediately that anesthesia was my calling. The diversity of anesthesia combined with the cerebral challenge and numerous procedures fit in perfectly with what I was looking for in a career and I couldn't be happier with my choice.

Erika Myrick

Hometown: Elkhorn, Nebraska

Education history: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)- B.S. in Biomolecular Science, Minor in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture; Western Michigan University Homer Stryker, M.D., School of Medicine (Kalamazoo, MI)- M.D., M.S. in Biomedical Sciences

Hobbies: I love hanging out with my friends, family, and my Bernese Mountain Dog, Deeds. I also love being outdoors, whether I'm hiking, running, biking, or just relaxing in nature. I like exploring different coffee shops and getting lost in a good book. During the pandemic, I discovered a newfound passion for painting. Staying active is a big deal for me, so I'm always trying out different workout classes. I love going to concerts and can't wait to see my first Red Rocks show!

Fun facts: I was a collegiate cheerleader at the University of Michigan. During my time there, my team and I won the national championship three times in a row. It was an amazing experience, and I even got the chance to cheer in some incredible venues, such as Madison Square Garden.

Before I came into medicine: I lived in Chicago and worked as a research coordinator for studies on Parkinson's disease and parkinsonisms. My team and I provided care to patients in their homes and initiated a peer mentoring program for our patients' caregivers.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: Anesthesiology is the perfect blend of everything I love about medicine: procedures, physiology, and pharmacology – cliché, I know. But what distinguishes it is the unique ability to devote undivided attention to one patient at a time, which is truly special. Although these interactions with patients may be brief, they are extremely meaningful. And the people within this field? They're some of the kindest, most compassionate, and down-to-earth individuals I've ever met. For all of these reasons, I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing specialty.

Carson Platnick

Hometown: Broomfield, CO

Education history: Undergraduate at Washington University in St. Louis; Medical School at University of Colorado

Hobbies: I love anything outdoors, especially skiing (I've skied at 10 different mountains this winter of MS4 year!) and backpacking. I also love travel, scuba diving, crossword puzzles, playing the piano, running half marathons very slowly, and hanging out with my cat, Moose.

Fun facts: I couples matched and my fiancé George will be a general surgery resident here at CU!

Before I came into medicine: During my gap years I first worked in an electrophysiology lab at Washington Univ. in St. Louis, doing patch clamping of neurons and testing steroid compounds for neuroactivity. Then, I worked as a trauma research assistant at Denver Health.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: Procedural aspect, applied physiology, high-acuity clinical settings, and getting to care for and establish trust with patients at some of their most vulnerable moments. Also, all of the excellent mentors I had here at CU who convinced me anesthesia is the best specialty!

Ronza Zoorob

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado (Originally from Lebanon)

Education history: DO from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, BS in Biology with a Business Minor, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO.

Hobbies: I love to cook, especially Mediterranean food. I love DIY projects of all sorts, and I am always busy repairing something around the house. I also enjoy playing with my dog, exploring cute coffee shops, and spending time with my family.

Fun facts: Growing up, I had three different birthdays due to a typo on my birth certificate. Today, I still have two birthdays, one I celebrate, and another I have to memorize for paperwork purposes.

Before I came into medicine: I moved from Lebanon to the United States to follow my medical school path. However, I took a detour along the way and ended up starting a water damage and restoration business with my brother for many years. However, In the few years before medical school, we shifted our focus to real estate and house flips.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: I love the critical thinking and procedural skills balance that a career in anesthesiology provides. I love that I get to apply the pharmacology and physiology concepts I learned in medical school in real life clinical cases. I enjoyed being in the OR, got along with everyone on my anesthesiology clinical rotations, and had great mentors who reinforced my love for anesthesiology. Collectively, I felt that residency training in anesthesiology is the perfect fit for me, where I get to work with my hands, strengthen my critical thinking skills, and work with people who resonate with my personality.

Sarah Dinegar

Hometown: Golden, CO

Education history: B.A. in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry/Biophysics concentration) and German from Northwestern University (2019); M.D. from Loyola University Chicago (2024)

Hobbies: SKIING!!!, trail running, swimming, hiking, and playing any sport with a ball (tennis, soccer, basketball, or just playing catch). I also love taking a quiet walk to watch the sunset over the mountains. Music is another big part of my life; I've played harp and piano since I was little, and I spend a lot of time exploring music new and old on Spotify. I also really enjoy writing - nature poetry mostly, but someday I hope to publish my own fiction series, we will see...

Fun facts: My favorite food is peanut butter. Plain, or paired with most anything. In reference to my love for music - I've made a total of 241 playlists on Spotify to date. Have to have the right music for every occasion! Final fact - I've visited 35 different countries and love any type of travel. But my favorite place in the world is my family cabin in the tiny town of Lake George, Colorado.

Before I came into medicine: During undergrad, I had the chance to do some really neat research healthcare adjacent projects in Germany as part of my major. After college, I worked as a data analyst for DaVita Kidney Care, where I learned how to better use Excel (useful) and that I don't want to work in corporate healthcare long-term (also useful). The latter pushed me to make the move into med school.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: Originally, I'd gone into medicine to become a pediatrician. I instead found I loved high acuity care when rotating on trauma. I then grew interested in cardiac surgery - the fascinating physiology, seamless teamwork within the cardiac OR, and many high intensity moments during both surgeries and in the CTICU. But I came to realize I could get all these components in anesthesia and that my intellectual passions of critical care, cardiac & pulmonary physiology, and pharmacology align better with this other side of the drapes. I also realized, with every anesthesia resident and attending I met, that this was a group of kind, welcoming, and patient individuals whom I loved to be around! I could not be more excited to be joining this incredible specialty.

Alex Hanson

Hometown: Sartel, MN

Education history: Undergrad at St. John’s University (Minnesota), MD/PhD at Washington University (St. Louis)

Hobbies: I love a lot of things — mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, astronomy, canoeing, hockey, tennis, soccer, guitar, drums, scuba diving.

Fun facts: I am really fascinated/awed by tornadoes and extreme weather in general. A dream of mine would be to one day experience storm chasing (safely!). I love snowboarding, but I haven’t skied since I was a little kid. I’m looking forward to re-learning how to ski! I am a pretty big tennis fan, and I like to watch as much as I can.

Before I came into medicine: I grew up in Minnesota and went to college there, where I played tennis, studied Biology, and did some research in Exercise Science. I moved to St. Louis for medical school at WashU. But I ended up taking the scenic route by transferring into the MD/PhD program — I studied the electrophysiology of human-derived cardiac and vascular cells and how it can give rise to disease.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: I think the relationships between patients and anesthesiologists are really special and meaningful. I look forward to the process of giving all of my attention to one person at a time. I also think Anesthesiology is an amazing field that draws heavily on physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology in a really unique way.

Whitney Kelly

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Education history: University of Colorado Colorado Springs - BS in Biochemistry, 2015, University of Colorado School of Medicine - 2024

Hobbies: I love doing different crafts, hiking, taste testing the food my husband makes, and playing board games!

Fun facts: I did my intern year in Las Vegas! I loved growing up in Colorado, and Crested Butte is my favorite place in the state.

Before I came into medicine: I had a few years between undergrad and medical school. I made the most of it by really prioritizing traveling and spending time with my family and friends. I've been to New Orleans, Key West, Chicago, Zion National Park, Scotland, Japan, and Iceland! I was also fortunate to explore Colorado.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: I came into medical school with an interest in anesthesia after I talked with a mentor about the field. He mentioned how anesthesiologists were the ultimate advocate for patients in the OR - and this was coming from a surgeon. The way he spoke about the profession really stuck with me. While in school I got to explore this and I saw what a perfect blend it was between medicine and patient care. I think the time we get to speak with patients, while limited, can have a really meaningful impact on patients and their families. Plus the pharmacology, procedural skills, and mastering the ABCs just can't be matched!

Lauren Martin

Hometown: Grapevine, TX

Education history: Went to University of Alabama for college and initially graduated with the intent of becoming a dietitian. Then, changed my mind the last semester and went to University of North Texas for a master's degree before attending Kansas City University.

Hobbies: My fiancé and I really enjoy board games- lately we've been playing the Dune Imperium board game with friends. I also really love summer activities in Colorado like backpacking and mountain biking. We did the Gore Lake hike up near Eagle pass in Vail last summer and it was incredible.

Fun facts: I grew up competitively horseback riding in English hunter/jumper. I still have my horse, Priscilla, who is my age and living the good retirement life. I am an avid sci-fi reader and love to travel. I road tripped for 3 weeks in Europe over the summer but my favorite recent trip has been backpacking through Peru.

Before I came into medicine: I originally had planned to become a dietitian and worked in a diabetes education center in rural Alabama before changing my mind and going an entirely different route. I do appreciate my background in nutrition and how it applies to medicine, but I also think those experiences really helped me learn how to communicate well with patients from all health literacy backgrounds.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: I was having trouble selecting electives for 3rd year and a cardiac anesthesia rotation was open so I decided to try it out. To me, it felt like all of the exciting knowledge base of IM with real time impactful decisions. I also really enjoy procedural based specialties. I am interested in pursuing fellowship after residency and am hoping to find out what I'm interested in particular.

Brittni Miller

Hometown: Bakersfield, CA

Education history: University of North Florida- BS Chemistry; Florida State University College of Medicine - MD; FSU College of Medicine Transitional Year Program at BayCare Health System (Winter Haven) - Intern year

Hobbies: I love traveling, hiking, playing tennis, rollerblading, and any activity that involves my beautiful Australian Shepherd Storm!

Fun facts: I have been to the northernmost and southernmost cities in the world (Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Ushuaia, Argentina).

Before I came into medicine: Before pursuing medicine I worked in Student Academic Success Services at UNF, primarily as a Peer Advisor and supplemental instructor for chemistry. I then decided to become an ophthalmic technician and scribe for an ophthalmologist while applying to medical school.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: I pursed anesthesiology because I loved the idea of providing comfort to patients during a vulnerable time for them, being a leader in their perioperative care, and serving as a vessel for patient advocacy. I also enjoy the orchestrated chaos of the OR, the hands-on procedural aspect of the specialty, and the challenge of applying real time critical care skills to optimize patient outcomes.

Sarah Park

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Education history: UCLA BS Biology, Medical College of Wisconsin MD

Hobbies: Running, hiking, ice skating, reading, piano

Fun facts: I have a rescue dog named Shadow.

Before I came into medicine: I worked as a medical scribe at an urgent care and psychology research assistant.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: The combination of systems-based thinking, critical care, procedural skills, and teamwork to care for patients in vulnerable moments.

Mojeeb “Mo” Shir

Hometown: Fremont, CA

Education history: Undergraduate: UC San Diego, Medical School: Chicago Medical School

Hobbies: Hiking, reading (actually audiobooks), climbing, running, trying out new activities (next up fishing)

Fun facts: I don't know how to swim.

Before I came into medicine: I worked as a research coordinator for a national Autism research program.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: I find the breadth and depth of the complex physiology embedded in anesthesiology to be very intellectually stimulating. To be able to apply that knowledge to each unique patient to ensure that individual's safety both in and out of the ORs is a strong motivating factor for me to become the best clinician I can be. I also value the opportunity anesthesiology brings in working closely with so many different specialties throughout the hospital.

Sherman Tran

Hometown: Portland, OR

Education history: University of Oregon - BS, Human Physiology, Tulane University - MS, Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University SOM - MD

Hobbies: I generally love to spend my free time outside, especially if it's sunny! I enjoy biking, specifically gravel and road biking, but I'm interested in trying out mountain biking in Colorado too. I love skiing, both resort and touring. Rock climbing is a good time too, as is mountaineering as I've climbed most of major peaks out on the West Coast. Rowing/crew is important to me as well, and is something I try to keep up with if time allows. On the other hand, I like hanging out at home and with friends. I love cooking and baking, and love to slave over a long, complicated recipe in the Dutch oven. I like spending time in the kitchen brewing a solid cup of coffee using my Chemex or getting down to the details brewing espresso. Of course, I also love finding a comfy chair and getting lost in a good book.

Fun facts: I flew to Vietnam before residency and rented a motorcycle to ride from the far north in Ha Giang to Saigon in the South to explore my heritage and see where my folks are from. It was an unforgettable experience that I will always treasure, and I'm itching to visit again! I was also a competitive rower for the U of O and kept racing for the New Orleans adult team throughout medical school. While in Eugene for college, I also unintentionally managed to get a street sign put up because I was biking and got hit by a bus. The sign reads "look both ways" on a one way street.

Before I came into medicine: I had a fairly "traditional" path as I went straight from undergrad to do a MS at Tulane where I also helped out as an assistant coach for the men's rowing team. I ended up working as an ED tech and scribe afterwards throughout early COVID while applying for medical school.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: Like most other people in anesthesiology, I love the intersection between pharmacology and physiology, along with critical care. Getting to combine all of this with procedures and working with my hands is awesome. I enjoy being in high acuity situations, and at the end of the day I enjoy being in the operating room. I've found that anesthesiology gives me a good opportunity to try to connect with patients in a short period of time and provide them some comfort and reassurance before they go get operated on, and that is a very valuable thing.

Haydn Vornhagen

Hometown: Brentwood, CA

Education history: Undergraduate: BS in biology at Creighton University Medical School: Kansas City University Preliminary Year: Saint Joseph's Hospital General Surgery

Hobbies: I'm a big fan of motor sports as a whole, from motocross to go-kart racing I enjoy the thrill of a track. I also spend a lot of my time playing pickleball with my wife on the weekends, going for hikes, and snowboarding in the winter. Also a self proclaimed In-N-Out Burger connoisseur.

Fun facts: Most people would be surprised to hear that I was cast in 2 different ballet productions while I was in college. I used to be a barista so I can make a killer latte.

Before I came into medicine: Before I came into medicine, I worked as an EMT for 2 years and taught EMS 101 classes at Creighton University as an adjunct instructor. I worked as an assistant coach of a lacrosse team until the season was thwarted by COVID!

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: What really attracted me to anesthesiology is the combination of pathophysiology, procedures, and direct patient care. I find being able to see your interventions work in real time incredibly gratifying to the work we do in the OR!

Renee Wu

Hometown: Greenfield, IN

Education history: Yale University, B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, MD and PhD in Immunology

Hobbies: Hiking/backpacking, trail running, canoeing, mountain biking, tennis, cooking and food parties, reading, artsy films

Fun facts: My husband and I hiked and completed the Ozark Trail together. One of my favorite hikes has been the trek to Choquequirao in Peru. I grew up as a restaurant kid - my family has a Chinese restaurant back home. I’ve fractured my scapula and collarbone.

Before I came into medicine: I was mostly in a research lab. I was lucky enough to get started in a lab in high school and discovered a love of immunology during college. Over time I realized I also wanted to better understand human disease and physiology and joined a combined MD/PhD program. In my PhD, I studied how specialized innate immune cells called dendritic cells activate T cells.

What made me pursue my residency training in Anesthesiology: Opportunities to support patients and their loved ones before and during surgeries, teamwork in the OR, plus the challenge of needing to know both physiology and hands-on skills to problem solve for individual patients.